Masdevallia Orchids – How to Care in 10 Simple Steps

The Masdevallia orchids are very curious plants.

This genus comprises 636 species currently, all native to America, especially from the following countries:

• Mexico
• Brazil
• Costa Rica
• Nicaragua
• Guatemala

Keep reading to learn more about these beautiful and famous orchids.

History

In 1794, two Spaniards were on an expedition in America in search of unknown plants, and during one of these trips, they found Masdevallia uniflora.

This was the first Masdevallia discovered, and the genus was named in honor of Dom José de Masdevall. During this expedition, Hipólito Ruiz and José Antonio Pavón discovered more than 3000 plants in 11 years.

A curiosity is that in the past, the monkey face orchid and also the vampire orchid were considered species of the Masdevallia genus.

Characteristics

They are epiphytic orchids, meaning they live on trees. In their natural habitat, Masdevallias are found in places with altitudes from 1000 to 3000 meters (3281 to 9842,5 feet) above sea level, and most of them live in cold places.

They are very small orchids, with some species considered micro orchids.

An essential characteristic of these plants is that they do not have pseudobulbs, meaning they cannot store many nutrients.

Masdevallia Orchids Cultivation

The difficulty of cultivating Masdevallia orchids can vary greatly depending on your region. In this case, most plants of this genus do not like heat, so cultivating them in hot regions can be nearly impossible.

Here are some tips to help you easily cultivate this orchid:

1. Provide low temperatures: colder regions are ideal for growing them (be careful with extremes).
2. Use small pots: these orchids like tight pots, so leave little space for their roots.
3. Where to plant: clay pots, plastic pots, baskets, place them on trunks, or trees. You cannot plant them in the ground.
4. Potting mixes: pine bark, sphagnum moss, perlite, coconut fiber, etc. Make a mixture with these options and be careful not to exaggerate with any potting mix.
5. Repotting: before summer, usually every 2 years.
6. Light: indirect, direct light can burn the leaves of this orchid. Learn more at: spots on orchid leaves.
7. Fertilization: NPK 20-20-20 at half strength, 1 or 2 times a month.
8. Humidity: between 60% and 80% is ideal.
9. Watering: just before the soil dries.
10. Extra tip: this orchid does not go dormant.

Usually, Masdevallia species with stronger colors require lower temperatures.

Conclusion

This was the guide on how to take care of Masdevallia orchids; I hope you have learned a bit more about the cultivation of these plants and have learned how to make your orchid bloom.

NOTE: during the hotter months, this orchid gets stressed, so don’t be alarmed.

If you want to learn more about orchids, check out the articles below:

• Orchid Care for Beginners: Quick and Easy 7-Step Guide
• Spots on Orchid Leaves – Meanings and Treatments
• Fertilizers for Orchids – Which are the Best? How to Fertilize?
• Soil for Orchids – Which are the Best? How to use?

Now it’s your turn; tell me in the comments what your Masdevallia is, and how you are finding it to cultivate. Are you enjoying it?

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